Plans on Paper, Pollution on Ground

Plans on Paper, Pollution on Ground
Every year it falls in the severe category yet measures to curb it remain inadequate.
Despite Ghaziabad's air quality index (AQI) consistently falling in the severe category every winter, the arrangements to control pollution have been ineffective. Since 2018, the AQI has remained above 499 in the winter season. The Pollution Control Board and local authorities have been creating plans to control pollution each year, but these plans remain confined to paper.
High dust levels on roads and emissions from old vehicles are major contributors to the pollution here. To address these, the city requires an extensive approach, but a lack of coordination between various departments has hindered real action. The current system only involves periodic meetings, reports, and notifications, which yield minimal results.
The Pollution Control Board claims it is actively working on pollution control and has recently fined industrial units for emissions. However, municipal and local government actions have been limited. As winter approaches, the situation is expected to worsen as no significant steps have been taken to mitigate pollution.
Causes of Pollution
1.    Dust from broken and unpaved roads.
2.    Emissions from old vehicles.
3.    Industrial smoke and lack of regulation.
4.    Burning of waste materials in open spaces.
AQI Levels of Various Cities
•    Ghaziabad: 269
•    Delhi: 200
•    Noida: 244
•    Greater Noida: 302
Past Five Years’ Peak Pollution Levels
Year    AQI
2019    499
2020    484
2021    487
2022    487
2023    489
No Significant Relief from Pollution Expected Soon
State authorities, the National Green Tribunal, and the Supreme Court have all taken notice, but despite various orders and meetings, pollution levels continue to worsen. The Environment Ministry recently held a meeting in Delhi to assess the pollution levels and recommended immediate actions, but the impact remains to be seen.
Directive for Action Against Old Vehicles
The Chief Secretary of Delhi has directed strict action against old vehicles that contribute significantly to pollution. In the upcoming days, regional transport departments are expected to identify and penalize such vehicles to reduce emissions.